Every year the Genesian Theatre Company does an Agathie Christie play, a surefire winner at the box office. For this year’s production the Genesians’ have chosen ‘The Hollow’, a play that was actually written by Christie herself and wasn’t an adaptation of one of her novels.

‘The Hollow’ is set in the weekend home of Sir Henry and Lady Henrietta Angkatell and amongst their guests are Dr John Cristow, his mistress Veronica, his ex mistress and his wife. Veronica ardently desires to marry Cristow but he refuses to divorce, and Veronica unwisely declares that if she can’t have him, noone else will be able to.

Within five minutes ofr Veronica’s declaration, Dr Cristow is dead. Not only Veronica but nearly everyone has had a motive and an opportunity to murder Cristow but who actually committed the deed has to be discovered by Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny.

Paula Bate directed the production well, keeping up the tension and incorporating some lighter touches.

Bate assembled a good cast for the production. Paul Treacy and Shane Bates were good as the aristocratic couple, Henri and Lady Angkatell. Tom Massey played bookish cousin, Edward. Alan Scully played the handsome ladies man, Dr John Cristow with panache. Julia Knapman gave a touching performance as the warm hearted half cousin Midge. Melanie Robinson gave a nice performance as the young sculptress, Henrietta. Georgina Anderson was suitably glamarous as famous film star, Veronica. Darren Moran and Michael Sterbal gave good performances as the two police inspectors, Inspector Colquhoun and Detective Sergeant Penny.

Grant Fraser’s set design of the Angkatell’s home was the usual Genesian high standard, Susan Carveth’s costumes were true to the era. Timothy Bennett’s music selection added to the atmosphere of the play. George James Wright lit the stage well.